FHHRN
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun — and it marks a particularly magical time of year for the Princess of Wales. The festive season is always a busy one for the Royal Family, filled with special appearances, glamorous occasions and, of course, precious family gatherings.
For Kate and her three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — this year’s lead-up to Christmas will feel even more meaningful. Following a “brutal” 2024, the Wales family is now looking forward to Christmas 2025 in their new home, having moved from Adelaide Cottage to Forest Lodge last month.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that Kate will be eager to make Christmas magical for her children in their new home — just as her mother Carole did for her and her siblings.
She explained: “Having been brought up in such a happy, close-knit family, Catherine loves creating a Christmas that feels just as special for her own children. I’m sure her mother, with her Party Pieces business, always had wonderful little decorations for the house. These days, with the focus on being eco-friendly, I imagine Catherine gets the children involved in crafting sustainable decorations from things they’ve collected outdoors.”
Bond added: “This year will feel especially meaningful because they’re settling into their new home — perhaps not for Christmas Day itself, but certainly during the lead-up. Like many families now, she might even give each of the children a Christmas box at the start of December.”
“That might include a homemade Advent calendar filled with small surprises for each day of the month. And maybe some Christmas pyjamas — after all, why save them just for Christmas Day? Plus a festive book to help set the mood.”
As the countdown to Christmas gets shorter, Jennie also believes William and Kate will soon be gathering Christmas wish lists from their children.
While George, Charlotte and Louis could easily receive anything they dream of, Jennie says Kate will want to keep things balanced.
She said: “Catherine and William have tried not to spoil their children too much, which can’t be easy when you adore them and could give them anything they ask for. One thing they absolutely won’t be getting, no matter how much they plead, is a smartphone. Of course, that rule will become harder to keep as George heads into his teenage years.”
On the subject of tech, she added: “Parents everywhere will understand their worries. It sounds as though William and Catherine might meet in the middle by giving him a brick phone. And that’s the direction many schools and parents are moving towards now.”
Jennie continued: “Moving to Forest Lodge and putting down permanent roots must be incredibly exciting, so I’m sure the time they spend there over the holidays will feel truly magical.”
Meanwhile, in terms of royal duties, there is one thing Kate will almost certainly be finalising — her annual Christmas Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey.
The event has been confirmed to return on December 5, and it has become the highlight of the Royal Family’s festive season.
This year, Kate is said to have wanted to honour and thank people across the country who are showing love within their communities and helping to build a more connected, compassionate society.
As always, the Westminster Abbey choir will lead the carols, with additional musical performances and readings by actors Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Jennie added: “Catherine has made the Christmas season uniquely her own. It’s the time of year when she steps forward and takes centre stage among the working royals.
‘Together at Christmas’ began five years ago and has only grown stronger. It started as a way to honour those who helped the country through the Covid pandemic, and it has now become a firmly established part of the royal calendar.
At that very first service she bravely — and impressively — played the piano accompaniment for Tom Walker’s ‘For Those Who Can’t Be Here’. It set the tone for the event and cemented Catherine’s role at the heart of the services that followed.
These concerts take months of preparation, and she is involved in every detail. Last year was especially meaningful, marking her highest-profile engagement as she gradually returned to royal duties after her cancer treatment.
The message is always similar: the importance of standing together with our families and communities to help one another through difficult and dark times.
These events aren’t about dignitaries or celebrities — though a touch of star power never hurts — they’re about ordinary people supporting each other through life’s challenges. And that’s an important message.
It doesn’t take much for Catherine to shine at an event, but this one is genuinely special because her influence is visible in every part of it, and many members of the royal family come each year to celebrate with her and her guests.”
